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Hannah
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Hannah,
Just came across your site while frantically searching the web as to why overnight my Phal has a leaf that turned yellow and all are curled downward. This is my only orchid, bought it on a whim not knowing the extent of their needs. Store clerk gave some bad tips after reading your site, Surprised the bugger has survived this long with the knowledge given to me.
I got this plant (grocery store floral dept) late 2014 with blooms. They died off after a few weeks. I discovered during a recent re-potting that it was in a flimsy plastic cup with minimal drainage which was inside a decorative metal container. That’s when I saw the almost nonexistent root system due to root rot. I didn’t use any moss when re-potting, only bark. I mist it every few days then use a tissue to sop out the moisture in the crown.
It is kept close to a small table lamp which remains on during the evening/ night. During the day it gets indirect light from an East window with blinds kept closed. Ambient temperature is kept around 73-78 degrees F.
Also, it now has a baby well on its way since the last month or so. There are four leaves on it, and two air roots, each about 4″ long.
Why has the momma’s leaf turned yellow? It literally happened overnight, which surprised me it was so fast.
Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated.
Hi,
The bottom leaves can turn yellow and this be natural as shown here…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/orchid-leaves-turning-yellow/
The baby you want to treat this way…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/basal-keikibaby-orchid/
And I water my orchids this way (I don’t mist)…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
The lamp won’t really do anything but it does need natural light. The temperature seems good. You can always send me a picture at myfirstorchid@gmail.com. Let me know if you need further assistance,
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
I appreciate all the invaluable advice and tips your site provides! After following your blog, I am happy to say that my two Phals have produced spikes and now have buds on them. I have had these two for about a year.
This is a first for me since I have probably over watered in the past, (not knowing I was doing this , my orchids would not last for more than a month). My leaves would shrivel and I would flush with more water. Yikes
I saw a tip about watering and it helped me a lot.
I bought wooden shish kabob skewers at the grocery store ( about $5.00 for a pack of 100) and now use them as a guide for watering. (in the morning)… I gently wiggle the skewer down into the potting bark and I can tell if it needs watering or not. If the skewer is dark or feels damp, I do not water, but if its just about dry, I go ahead and water that morning. Having them in a clear plastic pot helps me too.
I love my two Phals and all I can say is that I’m glad I didn’t give up and am excited to see how many blooms they produce this Spring.
This has been a hit and miss for me, but thanks to your site, I think I’m on the right track this time!
Thanks so much!
Pats
What a great idea!!! I normally tell people to use a pencil but these skewers are much better idea. Love it,
Hannah
Your web site provided me with more info than the last 10 I visited before!! I’ll be checking in often for more valuable info. Thank you!! Meg
Thanks Meg!! I don’t do new post often because I want to keep it simple but I do update the older post and I plan on editing all of them in the next year.
Hannah